Six months before States starts hunt for new CEO
RECRUITING a new States chief executive will not start for at least six months, Policy and Resources admitted yesterday. Responding to Guernsey Press disclosures that the process appeared in disarray, government said its interim CEO would remain in place for six months ‘after which it intends to advertise the position.’
This implies the island could be without its most senior civil servant for around nine months and a statement released today appeared to confirm how ill-prepared P&R was for its hasty sacking of Paul Whitfield last month.
‘The committee intends to give careful consideration over the next few months to determine the detail of what is required from the role having regard to the current challenges faced in the public sector and the island,’ the statement said.
‘This is a pivotal position and the committee must ensure the job description and interview process meet expectations.’
P&R president Deputy Peter Ferbrache said they did not want to rush the replacement.
‘We will spend time making sure the next appointment meets the current needs of the States and the community, but at the same time, the committee is very mindful of the pressures facing the island and the need to drive forward the modernisation agenda and implement the Government Work Plan without delay,’ he said.
‘We are giving the interim chief executive and his senior team, with their experience and knowledge, our full backing to move this work forward in line with the wishes of the States.’
Mr Whitfield had held the post since 2013, having previously been the Home Department’s chief officer.
